Electrolyte emergencies, anion gap, osmolality

Abstract

In the critically ill we often observe some dysregulation of the fluid-electrolyte balance; far from being an innocent bystander, the intensive medicine specialist could sometime be responsible for this, by way of overzealous correction, drug interference, or a “cosmetic” approach to the problem. In this short review, we will try to recall some basic principles that could help to improve therapeutic strategies.